Implement Wear Member

ABSTRACT

A wear member that includes a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The wear member includes a front face on the front portion, and a rear face on the rear portion. The wear member includes a front bottom edge, a rear bottom edge parallel to the front bottom edge, an inner bottom edge, and an outer bottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom face between the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottom edge, and the outer bottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom wear edge between the outer bottom edge and the inner bottom edge and parallel to the front and rear bottom edges. The wear member includes a bottom wear surface and a bottom cutaway surface. A bottom cutaway surface angle between the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face is at most 150 degrees.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to ground engaging tools and, moreparticularly, to ground engaging tools on buckets, blades, and otherwork tools used with mining and construction machinery.

BACKGROUND

Different types of mining and construction machines, such as tractors,bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, motor graders, and mining truckscommonly employ earth-working blades to move and level earth ormaterials being excavated or loaded. The earth-working blades frequentlyexperience extreme wear from repeated contact with highly abrasivematerials encountered during operation. Replacement of the earth-workingblades and other implements used in mining and construction machinerycan be costly and labor intensive.

The earth-working blades can be equipped with a ground engaging tool(GET), such as a cutting-bit, a set of cutting-bits or other wearmembers, to help protect the blade and other earth-working tools fromwear. Typically, a wear member can be in the form of teeth, edgeprotectors, tips, or other removable components that can be attached tothe areas of the blade or other tool where most damaging and repeatedabrasions and impacts occur. For example, a GET in the form of edgeprotectors can wrap around an implement's cutting edge to help protectit from excessive wear.

In such applications, the removable wear members can be subjected towear from abrasion and repeated impact, while helping to protect theblade or other implement to which they can be mounted. When the wearmember becomes worn through use, it can be removed and replaced with anew wear member or other GET at a reasonable cost to permit thecontinued use of the implement. By protecting the implement with a GETand replacing the worn GET at appropriate intervals, significant costand time savings are possible.

The cost and time savings available from using a wear member to protectlarge machine implements can be further enhanced by increasing theability of the wear member to cut through the working material and byincreasing the useful life of the wear member itself withoutsignificantly increasing the material needed to make the wear member.Currently known wear members, particularly wear members constructedusing standard construction such as the International Organization forStandardization (ISO), can encounter efficiency problems. One problemencountered with some wear members constructed by ISO standards is a“ski effect,” in which a newly mounted wear member will simply skimacross the top of a work surface until enough of the wear member hasworn away to affect proper work surface penetration. There is an ongoingneed in the art for improved wear member systems that increase wearefficiency and cutting effectiveness, thus increasing the efficiency ofearth-working machinery and increasing overall work productivity.

It will be appreciated that this background description has been createdby the inventors to aid the reader, and is not to be taken as anindication that any of the indicated problems were themselvesappreciated in the art. While the described principles can, in somerespects and embodiments, alleviate the problems inherent in othersystems, it will be appreciated that the scope of the protectedinnovation is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability ofany disclosed feature to solve any specific problem noted herein.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present disclosure describes a wear member for anearth-working implement. The wear member includes a body having front,rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The wear memberincludes a front face defined on the front portion and extending betweenthe top portion, the bottom portion, the inner side portion, and theouter side portion. The wear member includes a rear face defined on therear portion and extending between the top portion, the bottom portion,the inner side portion, and the outer side portion, the rear face beingsubstantially parallel to the front face. The wear member includes afront bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a front bottominterface between the front portion and the bottom portion, the frontbottom edge aligned with a longitudinal axis. The wear member includes arear bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a rear bottominterface between the bottom portion and the rear portion. The rearbottom edge is substantially parallel to the front bottom edge. The wearmember includes an inner bottom edge defined along at least a portion ofan inner bottom interface between the inner side portion and the bottomportion. The wear member includes an outer bottom edge defined along atleast a portion of an outer bottom interface between the outer sideportion and the bottom portion. The wear member includes a bottom facedefined on the bottom portion. The bottom face extends between the frontbottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottom edge, and the outerbottom edge. The wear member includes a bottom wear edge disposed on thebottom face between the front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge. Thebottom wear edge extends between the outer bottom edge and the innerbottom edge and is substantially parallel to the front and rear bottomedges. The wear member includes a bottom wear surface defined on thebottom face between the front bottom edge and the bottom wear edge, anda bottom cutaway surface defined on the bottom face between the rearbottom edge and the bottom wear edge. A bottom cutaway surface angle,measured as the obtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surface and therear face, is at most about 150 degrees.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes a wear memberfor an earth-working implement. The wear member includes a body havingfront, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The wearmember includes a front bottom edge defined along at least a portion ofa front bottom interface between the front portion and the bottomportion. The front bottom edge is aligned with a longitudinal axis. Thewear member includes a front top edge defined along a front topinterface between the front portion and the top portion, where the fronttop edge is substantially parallel to the front bottom edge. The wearmember includes a rear bottom edge defined along at least a portion of arear bottom interface between the bottom portion and the rear portion,where the rear bottom edge is substantially parallel to the front bottomedge. The wear member includes an inner bottom edge defined along atleast a portion of an inner bottom interface between the inner sideportion and the bottom portion, and an outer bottom edge defined alongat least a portion of an outer bottom interface between the outer sideportion and the bottom portion. The wear member includes a front facedefined on the front portion between the front top edge and the frontbottom edge. The front face includes a front lower surface and a cutoutsurface. The wear member includes a rear face defined on the rearportion and extending between the top portion, the bottom portion, theinner side portion, and the outer side portion, where the rear face issubstantially parallel to the front face. The wear member includes acutout formed in the front face defining the cutout surface between thefront lower surface and the front top edge. The cutout surface extendsbetween the inner side portion and the outer side portion and is offsetfrom the front lower surface in a direction toward the rear face. Thewear member includes a bottom face defined on the bottom portion, wherethe bottom face extends between the front bottom edge, the rear bottomedge, the inner bottom edge, and the outer bottom edge. The wear memberincludes a bottom wear edge disposed on the bottom face between thefront bottom edge and the rear bottom edge. The bottom wear edge extendsbetween the outer bottom edge and the inner bottom edge substantiallyparallel to the front and rear bottom edges. The wear member includes abottom wear surface defined on the bottom face between the front bottomedge and the bottom wear edge. The wear member includes a bottom cutawaysurface defined on the bottom face between the rear bottom edge and thebottom wear edge. The body is configured to be mounted to a mountingedge of the earth-working implement. The bottom cutaway surface isdefined on the bottom face between the rear bottom edge and the bottomwear edge, and a bottom cutaway surface angle, measured as the obtuseangle between the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face, is at mostabout 150 degrees.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes a wear memberfor an earth-working implement. The wear member includes a body havingfront, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The wearmember includes a front bottom edge defined along at least a portion ofa front bottom interface between the front portion and the bottomportion, where the front bottom edge is aligned with a longitudinalaxis. The wear member includes a front top edge defined along at least aportion of a front top interface between the front portion and the topportion, where the front top edge is substantially parallel to the frontbottom edge. The wear member includes a front inner side edge definedalong at least a portion of a front inner side interface between theinner side portion and the front portion. The wear member includes afront outer side edge defined along at least a portion of a front outerside interface between the outer side portion and the front portion. Thewear member includes a rear bottom edge defined along at least a portionof a rear bottom interface between the bottom portion and the rearportion, where the rear bottom edge substantially parallel to the frontbottom edge. The wear member includes a rear top edge defined along atleast a portion of a rear top interface between the top portion and therear portion, where the rear top edge substantially parallel to thefront top edge. The wear member includes a rear inner side edge definedalong at least a portion of a rear inner side interface between theinner side portion and the rear portion, and a rear outer side edgedefined along at least a portion of a rear outer side interface betweenthe outer side portion and the rear portion. The wear member includes aninner bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an inner bottominterface between the inner side portion and the bottom portion. Thewear member includes an outer bottom edge defined along at least aportion of an outer bottom interface between the outer side portion andthe bottom portion. The wear member includes a front face defined on thefront portion, where the front face extends between the front inner sideedge, the front outer side edge, the front top edge, and the frontbottom edge. The wear member includes a rear face defined on the rearportion, where the rear face extends between the rear inner side edge,the rear outer side edge, the rear top edge, and the rear bottom edge.The wear member includes a bottom face defined on the bottom portion.The bottom face extends between the front bottom edge, the rear bottomedge, the inner bottom edge, and the outer bottom edge. The wear memberincludes a bottom wear edge disposed on the bottom face between thefront bottom edge and the rear bottom edge, where the bottom wear edgeextends between the outer bottom edge and the inner bottom edgesubstantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges. The wearmember includes a bottom wear surface defined on the bottom face betweenthe front bottom edge and the bottom wear edge. The wear member alsoincludes a bottom cutaway surface defined on the bottom face between therear bottom edge and the bottom wear edge. A bottom cutaway surfaceangle, measured as the obtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surfaceand the rear face, is about 143 degrees.

Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principleswill be appreciated from the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the principles related toend cutting-bits disclosed herein are capable of being carried out inother and different embodiments, and capable of being modified invarious respects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of an embodiment of amachine including an embodiment of an earth-working implement includinga wear member constructed in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the earth-working implement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front-left perspective view of an embodiment of a wearmember constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear-right perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the wear member of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of a wearmember constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of a wearmember constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front-left perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 3including a lower wear indicator groove constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the wear member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of awear member having a lower wear indicator groove constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of awear member having a lower wear indicator groove constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of awear member constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of awear member constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 is right side view of the wear member of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front-right perspective view of an embodiment of a wearmember having a lower wear indicator groove and an upper wear indicatorgroove constructed in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 is right side view of the wear member of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 15after a first wear member life.

FIG. 18 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 15after a second wear member life.

FIG. 19 is a front-right perspective view of another embodiment of awear member having a lower wear indicator groove and an upper wearindicator groove constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the wear member of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 19after a first wear member life.

FIG. 22 is a front-right perspective view of the wear member of FIG. 19after a second wear member life.

FIG. 23 is a partial front-left perspective view of the wear member ofFIG. 11 mounted to an earth-working implement in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a partial left side view of the wear member of FIG. 23engaging a work surface.

FIG. 25 is a partial side view of the wear member of FIG. 19 engaging awork surface, the wear member constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to GET assemblies and systems, specificallyearth-working implement wear members, cutting bits, or cutting edgesutilized in various types of mining, earth-working, and constructionmachinery. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a machine 50 in the form of atrack-type tractor that can include an embodiment of an implement wearmember 100 constructed in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure. Among other uses, a track-type tractor can be used to moveand strip working material in various surface mining or otherconstruction applications.

As shown in FIG. 1, the machine 50 can include a body 52 with a cab 54to house a machine operator. The machine 50 can also include an armsystem 56 pivotally connected at one end to the body 52 or undercarriageand supporting an earth-working implement assembly 60 at an opposing,distal end. In embodiments, the implement assembly 60 can include anysuitable implement, such as an earth-working blade, or any other type ofsuitable device usable with wear member 100. The illustrated machine 50also includes a ripper assembly 62 having a ripper 64 opposite theimplement assembly 60. The ripper 64 can be used to cut through andbreak up working material for removal. A control system can be housed inthe cab 54 that can be adapted to allow a machine operator to manipulateand articulate the implement assembly 60 and/or the ripper assembly 62for digging, excavating, or any other suitable application.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the implement assembly 60. Referring toFIG. 2, the implement assembly 60 can include an earth-working blade 66that can have a mounting edge 68 adapted to engage the ground or otherexcavation or work surface. The mounting edge 68 can be adapted toreceive a plurality of wear members, including both intermediatecutting-bits or cutting edges 900 and end cutting-bits 300, 500. The endcutting-bits 300, 500 can be arranged on the mounting edge 68 at a firstblade end 74 and a second blade end 72, respectively. In someembodiments, the end cutting-bit 300 mounted to the first blade end 74of the mounting edge 68 can be symmetrical to the end cutting-bit 500mounted to the second blade end 72 of the mounting edge 68. In theillustrated embodiment, the intermediate cutting edge 900 can be mountedalong the mounting edge 68 between the end cutting-bits 300, 500. Eachintermediate cutting edge 900 can have a cutting edge 76 that cancontact the working material during machine operation. Although FIG. 2illustrates two end-bits 300, 500 and three intermediate cutting edges900, it is contemplated that any number of end-bits and intermediatecutting edges of varying shapes and sizes can be used. In someembodiments, it is contemplated that no intermediate cutting edges areused, and in other embodiments, it is contemplated that no end-bits areused and intermediate cutting edges span from the first to the secondend of the earth-working blade or other implement. Through repeated use,the end cutting-bits 300, 500, the intermediate cutting edge 900, or anyother combination of wear members can be subjected to wear andeventually can be replaced to allow the further use of the implementassembly 60.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the use of certain embodiments of wearmembers constructed in accordance with principles of the presentdisclosure with blade of a track-type tractor, many other types ofimplements and mining and construction machinery can benefit from usingwear members as described herein. It should be understood that, in otherembodiments, wear members constructed in accordance with principles ofthe present disclosure can be used in a variety of other implementsand/or machines.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate views of an embodiment of a wear member,specifically an end cutting-bit 100. As will be discussed, the specificgeometry of end cutting-bit 100 can provide for increased wear life.Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the end cutting-bit 100 can be formed from abody 101 that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. The body 101 canhave a front portion 102, a rear portion 104, a top portion 106, abottom portion 108, an inner side portion 110, and an outer side portion112. Interfaces can exist between each of the adjacent portions.Specifically, a front top interface 118 can exist between the topportion 106 and the front portion 102, and a front bottom interface 120can exist between the front portion and the bottom portion 108. A frontouter side interface 122 can exist between the front portion 102 and theouter side portion 112, and a front inner side interface 124 can existbetween the front portion and the inner side portion 110. An outerbottom interface 126 can exist between the bottom portion 108 and theouter side portion 112, and an inner bottom interface 128 can existbetween the inner side portion 110 and the bottom portion 108.Additionally, a rear outer side interface 130 can exist between theouter side portion 112 and the rear portion 104, and a rear inner sideinterface 132 can exist between the inner side portion 110 and the rearportion. A rear bottom interface 134 can exist between the rear portion104 and the bottom portion 108, and a rear top interface 136 can existbetween the top portion 106 and the rear portion. Finally, in someembodiments, an outer top interface 135 can exist between the outer sideportion 112 and the top portion 106, and an inner top interface 137 canexist between the inner side portion 110 and the top portion.

In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting orifices 109 can be formedin the body 101, creating passages between the front portion 102 and therear portion 104 of the body. The mounting orifices 109 can be adaptedto receive mounting hardware, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or othermounting tools suitable to secure the end cutting-bit 100 to animplement. In some embodiments, the mounting orifices 109 can becountersunk to provide a smooth, flush surface on the front portion 102.While the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 shows six mountingorifices 109 adapted to receive six sets of mounting hardware, it iscontemplated that any number of mounting orifices can be used in otherembodiments. It is also contemplated that alternative mounting methodscan be used to mount the end cutting-bit 100 or other wear members to anearth-working blade or other implement.

Each interface on the body 101 can define one or more edges that candefine surfaces on the body. Specifically, a front top edge 138 can bedisposed along the front top interface 118, and a front bottom edge 140can be disposed along at least a portion of the bottom interface 120between the inner side portion 110 and the outer side portion 112. Afront outer side edge 144 can be disposed along the front outer sideinterface 122 between the front top edge 138 and the front bottom edge140, and a front inner side edge 146 can be disposed along the frontinner side interface 124 between the front top edge 138 and the frontbottom edge 140. Additionally, the body 101 can include an outer bottomedge 148 disposed along the outer bottom interface 126 between the frontbottom edge and the rear portion 104, and an inner bottom edge 150disposed along the inner bottom interface 128 between the front bottomedge 140 and the rear portion. A rear outer side edge 152 can bedisposed along the rear outer side interface 130 and extend between thetop portion 106 and the outer bottom edge 148, and a rear inner sideedge 154 can be disposed along the rear inner side interface 132 betweenthe top portion and the inner bottom edge 150. A rear top edge 156 canbe disposed along the rear top interface 136 and extend between theouter rear edge 152 and the inner rear edge 154, and a rear bottom edge158 can be disposed along the rear bottom interface 134 between theouter rear edge and the inner rear edge. Further, in some embodiments,an outer top edge 160 can be defined along the outer top interface 135between the front top edge 138 and the rear top edge 156, and an innertop edge 162 can be defined along the inner top interface 137 betweenthe front top edge and the rear top edge. In some embodiments, thevarious edges can be chamfered to form rounded edges and corners to thebody 101. It is contemplated, however, that the edges of the body 101can have sharp corners, angled bevels, or any other suitable shape.

As best shown in FIGS. 3-4, the front portion 102 of the body 101 candefine a front face 114. The front face 114 can extend between the frontinner side edge 146, the front outer side edge 144, the front top edge138, and the front bottom edge 140. The body 101 can be configured to bemounted to the mounting edge 68 of the earth-working implement 60 suchthat the front face 114 faces a direction away from the earth-workingimplement. The front face 114 can include a front lower cutout edge 116between the front bottom edge 140 and the front top edge 138. A frontcutout 115 can be formed in the front face 114. The front cutout 115 canbe delimited by the front lower cutout edge 116 and the front top edge138, and a cutout surface 119 can be defined by the front cutout. Afront lower surface 117 can be defined on the front face 114 between thefront bottom edge 140 and the front lower cutout edge 116, and the frontcutout surface 119 can be defined on the front face between the frontlower cutout edge and the front top edge 138. In certain embodiments,the front lower cutout edge 116 can be substantially parallel to thefront bottom edge 140, but other geometric orientations arecontemplated. The front inner side edge 146 can include an inner lowerfront portion 141 defined adjacent the front lower surface 117 along thefront inner side interface 124 between the inner side portion 110 andthe front portion 102. A transition seam 121 can be formed in the frontface 114 between the front lower cutout edge 116 and the front top edge138. The front cutout surface 119 can include a front transition cutoutportion 123 defined between the transition seam 121 and the front lowercutout edge 116, and a front base cutout portion 125 defined between thetransition seam and the front top edge 138. Thus, in some embodiments,the front face 114 includes the front lower surface 117, the fronttransition cutout portion 123 of the front cutout surface 119, and thefront base cutout portion 125 of the front cutout surface. In certainembodiments, the front base cutout portion 125 can be substantiallyparallel to the front lower surface 117 and the transition cutoutportion 123 can connect the two at an angle such that the front basecutout portion is offset from the front lower surface in a directiontoward the rear portion 104. However, other, non-parallel surfaceorientations are also contemplated.

The body 101 can also include a rear face 127 defined on the rearportion 104. The rear face 127 can extend between the rear inner sideedge 154, the rear outer side edge 152, the rear top edge 156, and therear bottom edge 158. The rear face 127 can include a rear lower cutoutedge 129 disposed between the rear bottom edge 158 and the rear top edge156. A rear cutout 139 can be formed in the rear face 127 and can bedelimited by the rear lower cutout edge 129 and the rear top edge 156.The rear face 127 can further include a rear lower surface 131, whichcan be defined between the rear bottom edge 158 and the rear lowercutout edge 129, and a rear cutout surface 133, which can be defined bythe rear cutout 139 between the rear lower cutout edge and the rear topedge 156. The rear cutout surface 133 can include a rear transitioncutout portion 149 and a rear base cutout portion 151. In someembodiments, the rear base cutout portion 151 can be substantially flatand substantially parallel to the front base cutout portion 125.Additionally, in some embodiments, the rear lower surface 131 can besubstantially parallel to the front lower surface 117, though other,non-parallel geometric orientations are contemplated.

For the purpose of illustration, the figures indicate a normal axis 80,a lateral axis 90, and a longitudinal axis 85, all of which are definedperpendicular to one another. In FIGS. 3-5, for the purposes ofillustration, the body 101 of the end cutting-bit 100 is aligned suchthat the front bottom edge 140 is defined substantially along thelongitudinal axis 85, and the inner lower front portion 141 is alignedwith the lateral axis 90.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the following ratios between certaindimensional features of the wear member 100 are not meant to beexhaustive, but are merely examples of geometric ratios for dimensionsof the wear member disclosed herein. The body 101 can have a bodythickness A measured along the normal axis 80 between the front lowersurface 117 and the rear face 127 or, more specifically, the rear lowersurface 131. The body 101 can have a body height B measured as thedistance along the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 140 andthe front top edge 138. The body 101 can have a transition seam height Cmeasured along the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 140 andthe transition seam 121. The front lower surface 117 can have a frontlower surface height D measured as the distance along the lateral axis90 between the front bottom edge 140 and the front lower cutout edge116. The rear bottom edge 158 can have a rear bottom edge height Emeasured along the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 140 andthe rear bottom edge 158. The rear lower surface 131 can have a rearlower surface height F measured along the lateral axis 90 between thefront bottom edge 140 and the rear lower cutout edge 129. The rear topedge 156 can have a rear top edge height G measured along the lateralaxis 90 between the front top edge 138 and the rear top edge 156. A topcutaway depth H can be measured along the normal axis between an topcutaway edge 190 and the rear top edge 156. A bottom cutaway depth I canbe measured along the normal axis 80 between a bottom wear edge 177 andthe rear bottom edge 158. The body 101 can have a cutout thickness Jmeasured along the normal axis 80 between the front base cutout portion125 and the rear base cutout portion 151. The front cutout 115 in thefront face 114 can have a front cutout depth K measured as the distancealong the normal axis 80 between the front lower surface 117 and thefront base cutout portion 125.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the front lower surface height Dand the body height B can be in a range between about 1:10 and about3:10, or in a range between about 3:20 and about 1:5 in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front lowersurface height D and the body height B can be about 1:5, or about 3:20in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depth K and thebody thickness A can be in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:5, orin a range between about 2:25 and about 4:25 in other embodiments. Insome embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depth K and the bodythickness A can be about 3:22, or about 3:25 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the body thickness A and the cutoutthickness J can be in a range between about 1:1 to about 2:1 in someembodiments, or in a range between about 1:1 and about 3:2 in otherembodiments, or in a range between about 5:4 and about 3:2 in yet otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the body thickness Aand the cutout thickness J can be at least about 3:2. In someembodiments, a ratio between the body thickness A and the cutoutthickness J can be about 11:8, or about 5:4 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the rear lower surface height F andthe body height B can be in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:4, orabout 3:20 and about 1:5 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, aratio between the rear lower surface height F and the body height B canbe about 1:5, or about 7:40 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the top cutaway depth H and thebody thickness A can be in a range between about 1:2 and about 1:1, andabout 1:2 and about 3:5 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, aratio between the top cutaway depth H and the cutout thickness J can bein a range between about 3:4 and about 1:1, and about 7:8 and about 1:1in other embodiments, and about 13:16 and about 13:19 in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the bottom cutawaydepth I and the body thickness A can be in a range between about 3:4 andabout 1:1, and about 7:8 and about 1:1 in other embodiments, and about19:22 and about 22:25 in other embodiments.

Wear members having the dimensions described herein can help maximizewear member efficiency by increasing a wear members usable life whileminimizing weight and materials to the extent possible. Variousembodiments of the end cutting-bit 100, for example, have relativelynarrow cutout thickness J as compared to the body depth A. Such depthand thickness ratios can minimize the material used make the wearmembers in the areas, such as the cutout regions, that are not asexposed to repetitive scraping and abrasions against a work surface. Incontrast, the areas that are exposed to the work surface have increasedthickness in order to increase wear life. In other words, many of thewear members disclosed herein, such as end cutting-bit 100 and cuttingedge 800, maximize material in the regions needed most, such as thelower portion 108 of end-cutting bit 100, while minimizing materials inregions exposed to less abuse, such as the top portion 106 of endcutting-bit 100.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a wear member, specifically anotherend cutting-bit 200, that is substantially symmetrical to the endcutting-bit 100. The end cutting-bit 200 can be formed from a body 201that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. The body 201 can have afront portion 202, a rear portion 204, a top portion 206, a bottomportion 208, an inner side portion 210, and an outer side portion 212.Although not every feature of end cutting-bit 100 is referenced on endcutting-bit 200 in FIG. 6, it should be understood that the endcutting-bit 200 includes similar features to those recited and shown inFIGS. 3-5 of end cutting-bit 100. Because end cutting-bit 200 issubstantially symmetrical to the end cutting-bit 100, end cutting-bit200 can be configured to be disposed on an end of an earth-workingimplement blade opposite the end cutting-bit 100.

FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a wear member, specificallyanother embodiment of an end cutting-bit 400. End cutting-bit 400 can beformed from a body 401 that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. Thebody 401 can have a front portion 402, a rear portion 404, a top portion406, a bottom portion 408, an inner side portion 410, and an outer sideportion 412. The body 401 can include a front face 414 defined on thefront portion 402. Similar to the end cutting-bit 100, the front face414 forms a front cutout 415 delimited by a lower front cutout edge 416and a front top edge 438. The front face 414 defines a front base cutoutportion 425 and a front lower surface 417. Although not every feature ofthe front face 114 of end cutting-bit 100 is referenced on endcutting-bit 400 in FIG. 7, it should be understood that the front face414 of end cutting-bit 400 includes similar features to those recitedand shown in on the front face 114 in FIGS. 3-5 of end cutting-bit 100.Although the end cutting-bit 400 has a rear face 427 disposed on therear portion 404, the end cutting-bit 400 is distinguishable from theend cutting-bit 100 and 200 because the end cutting-bit 400 does notinclude a rear cutout formed in the rear face. Instead, the rear face427 can be substantially flat and substantially parallel to the frontbase cutout portion 425 of the front face 414.

FIGS. 8-9 show another embodiment of a wear member, specifically anotherend cutting-bit 300. The end cutting-bit 300 is substantially similar tothe end cutting-bit 100 shown in FIGS. 3-5, except that the endcutting-bit 300 includes a lower wear indicator groove 381 and a lowerwear face 383. Although not every feature of end cutting-bit 100 isreferenced on end cutting-bit 300 in FIGS. 8-9, it should be understoodthat, other than the lower wear indicator groove 381 and the lower wearface 383, the end cutting-bit 300 includes similar features to thoserecited and shown in FIGS. 3-5 with respect to end cutting-bit 100.Specifically, the end cutting-bit 300 can be formed from a body 301 thatcan have a generally trapezoidal shape. The body 301 can have a frontportion 302, a rear portion 304, a top portion 306, a bottom portion308, an inner side portion 310, and an outer side portion 312.

The body 301 can additionally include a front bottom edge 340 definedalong at least a portion of a front bottom interface 320 between thefront portion 302 and the bottom portion 308. The front bottom edge 340is aligned with the longitudinal axis 85. A front top edge 338 can bedefined along at least a portion of a front top interface 318 betweenthe front portion 302 and the top portion 306. The front top edge 338can be substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 340, orsubstantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 85. A front inner sideedge 346 defined along at least a portion of a front inner sideinterface 324 between the inner side portion 310 and the front portion302. A front outer side edge 344 can be defined along at least a portionof a front outer side interface 322 between the outer side portion 312and the front portion 302. A front face 314 can be defined on the frontportion 302. The front face 314 can extend between the front inner sideedge 346, the front outer side edge 344, the front top edge 338, and thefront bottom edge 340. A front lower cutout edge 316 can be disposed onthe front face 314 between the front top edge 338 and the front bottomedge 340. The front lower cutout edge 316 can be substantially parallelto the front bottom edge 340. A front cutout 315 can be formed in thefront face 314 and can be delimited by the front lower cutout edge 316and the front top edge 338. A front lower surface 317 can be definedbetween the front lower cutout edge 316 and the front bottom edge 340.The front inner side edge 346 can include an inner lower front portion341 defined adjacent the front lower surface 317 along the front innerside interface 324 between the inner side portion 310 and the frontportion 302. Additionally, a front cutout surface 319 can be defined bythe front cutout 315 between the front lower cutout edge 316 and thefront top edge 338. The front cutout surface 319 can be offset from thefront lower surface 317 in a direction along the normal axis 80. A frontcutout transition surface 323 can be defined between the front lowersurface 317 and the front cutout surface 319. In some embodiments, thefront lower surface 317 can be substantially parallel to at least aportion of the front cutout surface 319.

In FIGS. 8-9, for the purposes of illustration, the body 301 of the endcutting-bit 300 is aligned such that the front bottom edge 340 isdefined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85, and the innerlower front portion 341 is aligned with the lateral axis 90. A lowerwear indicator groove 381 can be formed in the front face 314substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 340. In someembodiments, the lower wear indicator groove 381 can be formed betweenthe front bottom edge 340 and the front lower cutout edge 316. AlthoughFIGS. 8-9 illustrate the lower wear indicator groove 381 as having arounded, soft profile, other profile shapes, such as wedges or otherangles, are also contemplated. A lower wear face 383 can be definedbetween the front bottom edge 340 and the lower wear indicator groove381. As shown in FIG. 9, a lower wear indicator height L can be measuredalong the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 340 and thelower wear indicator groove 381. A wear indicator depth X can bemeasured along the normal axis 90 between the front bottom edge 340 andthe back surface of the lower wear indicator groove 381. In someembodiments, a ratio between the lower wear indicator height L and thebody height B, measured along the lateral axis between the front bottomedge 340 and the front top edge 338, can be in a range between about1:20 and about 1:5, or in a range between about 1:10 and about 3:25 inother embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the lower wearindicator height L and the body height B, measured along the lateralaxis between the front bottom edge 340 and the front top edge 338, canbe at least about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio between the lowerwear indicator height L and the body height B, measured along thelateral axis between the front bottom edge 340 and the front top edge338, can be about 13:100, or about 1:10 in other embodiments. In someembodiments, a ratio between the wear indicator depth X and the bodythickness A can be in a range between about 1:20 and about 2:5, or in arange between about 1:10 and about 1:5 in other embodiments, or in arange between about 1:8 and about 1:6 in other embodiments. In someembodiments, a ratio between the wear indicator depth X and the bodythickness A can be about 13:100, or about 4:25 in other embodiments.

A wear indicator groove, such as the lower wear indicator groove 381,can serve an important function in determining when the end cutting-bit300 needs to be replaced with a new end cutting-bit or other wearmember. In embodiments featuring the lower wear indicator groove 381such as in FIGS. 8-9, the body 301 can be configured to be mounted to anearth-working implement so as to dispose the lower wear face 383 betweena mounting edge of the earth-working blade and a work surface, such asthe ground. As the earth-working implement, such as the blade 66 shownin FIG. 3, equipped with the end cutting-bit 300 is used, the bottomportion 308 can gradually wear away against the work surface. When thebody 301 is mounted on the earth-working implement such that the lowerwear face 383 is disposed between the mounting edge of the blade and thework surface, an operator or other observer can easily visually observewhen the bottom portion 308 has worn away the entire lower wear face 383up to the lower indicator groove 381. Since the lower wear face 383 ismounted below the mounting edge with respect to the work surface, themounting edge is not damaged by the work surface, which would result incostly repairs to the earth-working implement. Using a visuallyobservable wear indicator groove, such as that described herein, canhelp increase work efficiency by providing an easy way to determine whento change wear members without the need to do a more detailedinvestigation as to the level of wear on the wear member. Additionally,in certain operation modes, the front face 314 can undergo significantabrasive contact with work material, such as stones, rocks, dirt, orother material. In such operation modes, the material on the frontportion 302 of the body 301 can wear away, deteriorating the front face314. At some point when enough of the body 301 has worn away, a wearindicator groove, such as lower wear indicator groove 381, will nolonger be distinguishable from the front face 314. At this point, anoperator or another observer can recognize that that wear indicator isno longer visible and make a determination whether to replace the wearmember 300.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a wear member, specifically anotherend cutting-bit 500, that is substantially symmetrical to the endcutting-bit 300. The end cutting-bit 500 can be formed from a body 501that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. The body 501 can have afront portion 502, a rear portion 504, a top portion 506, a bottomportion 508, an inner side portion 510, and an outer side portion 512.Although not every feature of end cutting-bit 300 is referenced on endcutting-bit 500 in FIG. 10, it should be understood that the endcutting-bit 500 includes similar features to those recited and shown inFIGS. 3-5 of end cutting-bit 100 and in FIGS. 8-9 of end cutting-bit300, including a lower wear indicator groove 581 and a lower wear face583. Because end cutting-bit 500 is substantially symmetrical to the endcutting-bit 300, end cutting-bit 500 can be configured to be disposed onan end of an earth-working implement blade opposite the end cutting-bit300.

FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of a wear member, specificallyanother embodiment of an end cutting-bit 600. End cutting-bit 600 can beformed from a body 601 that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. Thebody 601 can have a front portion 602, a rear portion 604, a top portion606, a bottom portion 608, an inner side portion 610, and an outer sideportion 612. The body 601 can include a front face 614 defined on thefront portion 602. Similar to the end cutting-bit 300, the front face614 forms a front cutout 615 delimited by a lower front cutout edge 616and a front top edge 638. The front face 614 defines a front base cutoutportion 625 and a front lower surface 617. Also similar to endcutting-bit 300, the front face 614 can include a lower wear indicatorgroove 681 and a lower wear face 683. Although not every feature of thefront face 314 of end cutting-bit 300 is referenced on end cutting-bit600 in FIG. 11, it should be understood that the front face 614 of endcutting-bit 600 includes similar features to those referenced and shownin on the front face 314 in FIGS. 8-9 of end cutting-bit 300. Althoughthe end cutting-bit 600 has a rear face 627 disposed on the rear portion604, the end cutting-bit 600 is distinguishable from the end cutting-bit300 and 200 for at least the reason because the end cutting-bit 600 doesnot include a rear cutout formed in the rear face. Instead, the rearface 627 can be substantially flat and substantially parallel to thefront base cutout portion 625 of the front face 614.

FIGS. 23-24 shows end cutting-bit 600 disposed on a mounting edge 68 ofan earth-working implement, such as an earth-working blade 66. As shownin FIG. 24, the body 601 is mounted on the earth-working blade 66 suchthat the lower wear face 683 is disposed between the mounting edge 68and a work surface 25, such as dirt, gravel, or any other suitablematerial. An imaginary work surface line 27 represents the work surfacelevel at some point after the bottom portion 604 of the body 601 hasbeen worn away by repeated contact with the work surface 25. As shown,the body 601 can be disposed such that, when work surface level reachesthe level of the lower wear indicator groove 681, the mounting edge 68of the earth-working blade 66 is still not in contact with the worksurface. Thus, when an operator or other observer recognizes that theend cutting-bit 600 has been worn to the level of the lower wearindicator groove 683, the end cutting-bit 600 can be replaced withoutrisk of damage to the earth-working implement. It should be understoodthat, although FIG. 24 illustrates end cutting-bit 600 with a lower wearindicator groove 681, it is contemplated that any of the wear memberembodiments disclosed herein featuring any kind of wear indicatorgroove, such as end cutting-bits 300, 500, 700, and cutting edges 900,1000, can be mounted on an earth-working implement such as is shown inFIG. 24 and with the same effective result.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a wear member, specifically anotherembodiment of an end cutting-bit 700. End cutting-bit 700 can be formedfrom a body 701 that can have a generally trapezoidal shape. The body701 can have a front portion 702, a rear portion 704, a top portion 706,a bottom portion 708, an inner side portion 710, and an outer sideportion 712. The body 701 can include a front face 714 defined on thefront portion 702 between a front top edge 738 and a front bottom edge740. Similar to the end cutting-bit 300 in FIGS. 8-9, the front face 714can include a lower wear indicator groove 781 disposed between the frontbottom edge 740 and the front top edge 738. Additionally, the front face714 includes a lower wear face 783 disposed between the front bottomedge 740 and the lower wear indicator groove 781. In some embodiments,the lower wear indicator groove 781 can be substantially parallel to thefront bottom edge 740, but other non-parallel embodiments are alsocontemplated. Unlike the cutting end-bits 300, 500, the cutting end-bit700 shown in FIG. 12 forms neither a front cutout nor a rear cutout.Instead, the front face 714 is substantially flat and can besubstantially parallel to a rear face 727 formed on the rear portion704. It should be understood that, although not specifically indicatedin FIG. 12, the dimensions and ratios as related to the lower wearindicator groove 381 of FIGS. 8-9 can also apply to the lower wearindicator groove 781 illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 13-14 illustrate views of another embodiment of a wear member,specifically a cutting edge 800. As will be discussed, the specificgeometry of cutting edge 800 can provide for increased wear life andmultiple use lives. Referring to FIGS. 13-14, the cutting edge 800 canbe formed from a body 801 that can have a generally rectangular shape.The body 801 can have a front portion 802, a rear portion 804, a topportion 806, a bottom portion 808, an inner side portion 810, and anouter side portion 812. Interfaces can exist between each of theadjacent portions. Specifically, a front top interface 818 can existbetween the top portion 806 and the front portion 802, and a frontbottom interface 820 can exist between the front portion and the bottomportion 808. A front outer side interface 822 can exist between thefront portion 802 and the outer side portion 812, and a front inner sideinterface 824 can exist between the front portion and the inner sideportion 810. An outer bottom interface 826 can exist between the bottomportion 808 and the outer side portion 812, and an inner bottominterface 828 can exist between the inner side portion 810 and thebottom portion 808. Additionally, a rear outer side interface 830 canexist between the outer side portion 812 and the rear portion 804, and arear inner side interface can exist between the inner side portion andthe rear portion. A rear bottom interface 834 can exist between the rearportion 804 and the bottom portion 808, and a rear top interface 836 canexist between the top portion 806 and the rear portion. Finally, in someembodiments, an outer top interface 835 can exist between the outer sideportion 812 and the top portion 806, and an inner top interface canexist between the inner side portion 810 and the top portion.

In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting orifices 809 can be formedin the body 801, creating passages between the front portion 802 and therear portion 804 of the body. The mounting orifices 809 can be adaptedto receive mounting hardware, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or othermounting tools suitable to secure the cutting edge 800 to an implement.In some embodiments, the mounting orifices 809 can be countersunk toprovide a smooth, flush surface on the front portion 802. While theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 shows eleven mounting orifices 809adapted to receive eleven sets of mounting hardware, it is contemplatedthat any number of mounting orifices can be used in other embodiments.It is also contemplated that alternative mounting methods can be used tomount the cutting edge 800 or other wear members to an earth-workingblade or other implement.

The interfaces on the body 801 can define one or more edges that candefine surfaces on the body. Specifically, a front top edge 838 can bedisposed along the front top interface 818, and a front bottom edge 840can be disposed along at least a portion of the bottom interface 820between the inner side portion 810 and the outer side portion 812. Afront outer side edge 844 can be disposed along the front outer sideinterface 822 between the front top edge 838 and the front bottom edge840, and a front inner side edge 846 can be disposed along the frontinner side interface 824 between the front top edge 838 and the frontbottom edge 840. Additionally, the body 801 can include an outer bottomedge 848 disposed along the outer bottom interface 826 between the frontbottom edge and the rear portion 804, and an inner bottom edge 850disposed along the inner bottom interface 828 between the front bottomedge 840 and the rear portion. A rear outer side edge 852 can bedisposed along the rear outer side interface 830 and extend between thetop portion 806 and the outer bottom edge 848, and a rear inner sideedge can be disposed along the rear inner side interface between the topportion and the inner bottom edge 850. A rear top edge 856 can bedisposed along the rear top interface 836 and extend between the outerrear edge 852 and the inner rear edge, and a rear bottom edge 858 can bedisposed along the rear bottom interface 834 between the outer rear edgeand the inner rear edge. Further, in some embodiments, an outer top edge860 can be defined along the outer top interface 835 between the fronttop edge 838 and the rear top edge 856, and an inner top edge can bedefined along the inner top interface between the front top edge and therear top edge. In some embodiments, the various edges can be chamferedto form rounded edges and corners to the body 801. It is contemplated,however, that the edges of the body 801 can have sharp corners, angledbevels, or any other suitable shape.

As best shown in FIGS. 13-14, the front portion 802 of the body 801 candefine a front face 814. The front face 814 can extend between the frontinner side edge 846, the front outer side edge 844, the front top edge838, and the front bottom edge 840. The body 801 can be configured to bemounted to the mounting edge 68 of the earth-working implement 66 suchthat the front face 814 faces a direction away from the earth-workingimplement. The front face 814 can include a front upper cutout edge 885and a front lower cutout edge 816. The front upper cutout edge 885 canbe disposed between the front top edge 838 and the front bottom edge840, and the front lower cutout edge 816 can be disposed between thefront upper cutout edge 885 and the front bottom edge 840. In certainembodiments, the front lower cutout edge 816 can be substantiallyparallel to the front bottom edge 840 and the front upper cutout edge885 can be substantially parallel to the front top edge 838, but othergeometric orientations are contemplated. A front cutout 815 can beformed in the front face 814 and can be delimited by the front uppercutout edge 885 and the front lower cutout edge 816.

A front lower surface 817 can be defined on the front face 814 betweenthe front bottom edge 840 and the front lower cutout edge 816, and afront upper surface 887 can be defined on the front surface 814 betweenthe front upper cutout edge 885 and the front top edge 838. A frontcutout surface 819 can be defined on the front face 814 by the frontcutout 815 and extend between the front lower cutout edge 816 and thefront upper cutout edge 885. In some embodiments, the front cutoutsurface 819 can be offset from the front lower surface 817 and the frontupper surface 887 in a direction along the normal axis toward the rearportion 804. In some embodiments, the front upper surface and the frontlower surface can be substantially co-planar.

The front inner side edge 846 can include an inner lower front portion841 defined adjacent the front lower surface 817 along the front innerside interface 824 between the inner side portion 810 and the frontportion 802. A lower transition seam 821 can be formed in the front face814 between the front lower cutout edge 816 and the front upper cutoutedge 885, and an upper transition seam 889 can be formed in the frontface 814 between the lower transition seam 821 and the front uppercutout edge 885. The front cutout surface 819 can include a lowertransition cutout portion 823 defined between the lower transition seam821 and the front lower cutout edge 816, and an upper transition cutoutportion 891 can be defined between the upper transition seam 889 and thefront upper cutout edge 885. A front base cutout portion 825 can bedefined between the upper transition seam 889 and the lower transitionseam 821. Thus, in some embodiments, the front face 814 includes thefront lower surface 817, the lower transition cutout portion 823 of thefront cutout surface 819, the front base cutout portion 825 of the frontcutout surface, the upper transition cutout portion 891, and the frontupper surface 887. In certain embodiments, the front base cutout portion825 can be substantially parallel to the front lower surface 817 and thefront upper surface 887, and the upper and lower transition cutoutportions 891, 823 can connect the front base cutout portion to the frontupper and lower surfaces 887, 817, respectively, such that the frontbase cutout portion is offset from the front upper and lower surfaces ina direction toward the rear portion 804. However, other, non-parallelsurface orientations are also contemplated.

The body 801 can also include a rear face 827 defined on the rearportion 804. The rear face 827 can extend between the rear inner sideedge, the rear outer side edge 852, the rear top edge 856, and the rearbottom edge 858. In some embodiments, the rear face 827 can besubstantially parallel to both the front lower surface 817 and the frontupper surface 887, and in some embodiments, the rear face 827 can besubstantially parallel to the front lower surface 817, the front uppersurface 887, and the front base cutout portion 825 of the front cutoutsurface 819. In some embodiments, such as the cutting edge 800illustrated in FIG. 14, at least one depression 893 can be formed in therear face 827 and extend between the inner side portion 810 and theouter side portion 812. Although FIG. 14 shows four depressions 893,embodiments having other numbers of depressions, including zero, arealso contemplated. The depressions 893 can be formed in the rear face827 in order to minimize the weight and material used to form the body801, but also ensure that adequate contact surface is available for thecutting edge 800 to engage an earth-working implement, particularly atthe mounting edge. In some embodiments, the depressions 893 are disposedon the rear face 827 in such a way that the mounting orifices 809 usedto house mounting hardware to mount the cutting edge 800 to theearth-working implement do not overlap with the depressions 893. Theinner bottom edge 850 can include an inner bottom wear edge 883 definedalong the inner bottom edge adjacent the bottom wear surface 879 andextending between the front bottom edge 840 and the bottom wear edge877.

A bottom face 875 can be defined on the bottom portion 808. The bottomface 875 can extend between the front bottom edge 840, the rear bottomedge 858, the inner bottom edge 850, and the outer bottom edge 848. Abottom wear edge 877 can be disposed on the bottom face 875 between thefront bottom edge 840 and the rear bottom edge 858. The bottom wear edge877 can extend between the outer bottom edge 848 and the inner bottomedge 850 and can be substantially parallel to the front and rear bottomedges 840, 858. The bottom face 875 can bottom wear surface 879 that canbe defined on the bottom face extending between the front bottom edge840, the bottom wear edge 877, the outer bottom edge 848, and the innerbottom edge 850. The bottom face 875 can also include a bottom cutawaysurface 881 that can be defined on the bottom face extending between therear bottom edge 848, the bottom wear edge 877, the outer bottom edge848, and the inner bottom edge 850.

In some embodiments, the body 801 can be configured to be mounted to amounting edge 68 of the earth-working implement, such as earth-workingblade 66 shown in FIG. 2, so as to selectively dispose either the bottomportion 808 of the body between the mounting edge and a work surface orthe top portion 806 of the body between the mounting edge and the worksurface. In other words, because the cutting edge 800 is substantiallysymmetrical, the cutting edge can be flipped from a first mountingposition in which the bottom portion 808 is disposed to engage the worksurface, to a second mounting position in which the top portion 806 isdisposed to engage the work surface. This flexibility between mountingpositions allows the cutting bit 800 to exhibit two wear lives, a firstwear life, and a second wear life, increasing the efficiency andusefulness of each wear member.

In FIGS. 13-14, for the purposes of illustration, the body 801 of thecutting edge 800 is aligned such that the front bottom edge 840 isdefined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85, and the innerlower front portion 841 is aligned with the lateral axis 90. The innerbottom wear edge 883 is aligned along the normal axis 80.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the following ratios between certaindimensional features of the wear member 800 are not meant to beexhaustive, but are merely examples of geometric ratios for dimensionsof the wear member disclosed herein. The body 801 can have a body heightM measured along the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 840and the front top edge 838. The front upper surface 887 can have a frontupper surface height N measured along the lateral axis 90 between thefront top edge 838 and the front upper cutout edge 885. The front lowersurface 817 can have a front lower surface height O measured along thelateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 840 and the front lowercutout edge 816. The body 801 can have a lower body thickness P that canbe measured along the normal axis 80 between the front lower surface 817and the rear face 827. The body 801 can have a cutaway depth Q that canbe measured along the normal axis 80 between the bottom wear edge 877and the rear bottom edge 858. The body can also have a cutaway height Rthat can be measured along the lateral axis 90 between the bottom wearedge 877 and the rear bottom edge 858. The lower transition cutoutportion 823 can have a lower transition height S that can be measuredalong the lateral axis 90 between the front lower cutout edge 816 andthe lower transition seam 821. The front cutout 815 can have a frontcutout depth T that can be measured along the normal axis 80 between thefront lower surface 817 and the cutout surface 819, specifically thefront base cutout portion 825 of the cutout surface. The body 801 canalso have a cutout thickness W that can be measured along the normalaxis 80 between the front cutout surface 819, specifically the frontbase cutout portion 825, and the rear face 827. The body 801 can have anupper body thickness Y that can be measured along the normal axis 80between the front upper surface 887 and the rear face 827. The bottomwear surface 879 can have a bottom wear edge depth Z that can bemeasured along the normal axis 80 between the front face 814 and thebottom wear edge 877.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the front lower surface height Oand the body height M can be in a range between about 1:10 and about3:10, and in a range between about 1:5 and about 1:4 in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front lowersurface height O and the body height M can be at most about 3:10, or atmost about 1:4 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratiobetween the front lower surface height O and the body height M can beabout 1:5, or about 1:4 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the lower body thickness P and thecutout thickness W can be in a range between about 1:1 and about 3:2, orin a range between about 1:1 and about 5:4 in other embodiments, and ina range between about 1:1 and about 22:19 and about 19:16 in otherembodiments. In other embodiments, a ratio between the lower bodythickness P and the cutout thickness W can be at least about 1:1, or atleast about 11:10 in other embodiments. In other embodiments, a ratiobetween the lower body thickness P and the cutout thickness W can beabout 19:16, or about 22:19 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the upper body thickness Y and thecutout thickness W can be in a range between about 1:1 and about 3:2, orin a range between about 1:1 and about 5:4 in other embodiments, and ina range between about 1:1 and about 22:19 and about 19:16 in otherembodiments. In other embodiments, a ratio between the upper bodythickness Y and the cutout thickness W can be at least about 1:1, or atleast about 11:10 in other embodiments. In other embodiments, a ratiobetween the upper body thickness Y and the cutout thickness W can beabout 19:16, or about 22:19 in other embodiments. In some embodiments,the upper body thickness Y can be substantially equal to the lower bodythickness P.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depth T and thelower body thickness P can be in a range between about 0:1 and about3:10, or in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:5 in otherembodiments, or in a range between about 3:19 and about 3:22 in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depthT and the lower body thickness P can be at least about 1:10. In someembodiments, a ratio between the front cutout depth T and the lower bodythickness P can be about 3:19, and about 3:22 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the bottom wear edge depth Z andthe lower body thickness P can be in a range between about 0:1 and about3:10, or in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:5 in otherembodiments, or in a range between about 3:19 and about 3:22 in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the bottom wear edgedepth Z and the lower body thickness P can be at most about 1:5, or atmost about 3:20 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratiobetween the bottom wear edge depth Z and the lower body thickness P canbe about 3:19, and about 3:22 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the cutaway height R and thecutaway depth Q can be in a range between about 1:2 and about 1:1, or ina range between about 1:2 and about 2:3 in other embodiments, or in arange between about 11:16 and about 11:19 in other embodiments. In someembodiments, a ratio between the cutaway height R and the cutaway depthQ can be at least most about 3:5, and at most about 2:3 in otherembodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between the cutaway height Rand the cutaway depth Q can be about 11:16, or about 11:19 in otherembodiments.

It should be understood that, where applicable, the dimensionalgeometric ratios describes herein with respect to the cutting edge 800can be applied to any of the other wear member embodiments disclosedherein. For example, although the end cutting-bit 300 shown in FIGS. 8-9does not explicitly illustrate a cutaway height R or a cutaway depth Q,it should be understood that the like features of the end cutting-bit300 could also have the disclosed geometrical relationships and ratios.

FIGS. 15-16 show another embodiment of a wear member, specificallyanother cutting edge 900. The cutting edge 900 is substantially similarto the cutting edge 800 shown in FIGS. 13-14, except that the cuttingedge 900 can additionally include a lower wear indicator groove 981 anda lower wear face 983, as well as an upper wear indicator groove 995 andan upper wear face 997. The cutting edge 900 can be formed from a body901 that can have a generally rectangular shape. Although not everyfeature of the cutting edge 800 is referenced on the cutting edge 900 inFIGS. 15-16, it should be understood that, other than the upper andlower wear indicator grooves 995, 981 and the upper and lower wear faces997, 983, the cutting edge 900 includes similar features to thoserecited and shown in FIGS. 13-14 with respect to cutting edge 800.Additionally, the body 901 of cutting edge 900 can include a lower wearindicator groove 981 and a lower wear face 983, as well as an upper wearindicator groove 995 and an upper wear face 997. Specifically, thecutting edge 900 can be formed from a body 901 that can have a generallyrectangular shape. The body 901 can have a front portion 902, a rearportion 904, a top portion 906, a bottom portion 908, an inner sideportion 910, and an outer side portion 912.

The body 901 can additionally include a front bottom edge 940 definedalong at least a portion of a front bottom interface 920 between thefront portion 902 and the bottom portion 908. The front bottom edge 940is aligned with the longitudinal axis 85. A front top edge 938 can bedefined along at least a portion of a front top interface 918 betweenthe front portion 902 and the top portion 906. The front top edge 938can be substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 940, orsubstantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 85. A front inner sideedge 946 defined along at least a portion of a front inner sideinterface 924 between the inner side portion 910 and the front portion902. A front outer side edge 944 can be defined along at least a portionof a front outer side interface 922 between the outer side portion 912and the front portion 902. A front face 914 can be defined on the frontportion 902. The front face 914 can extend between the front inner sideedge 946, the front outer side edge 944, the front top edge 938, and thefront bottom edge 940. A front lower cutout edge 916 can be disposed onthe front face 914 between the front top edge 938 and the front bottomedge 940. The front lower cutout edge 916 can be substantially parallelto the front bottom edge 940. A front upper cutout edge 985 can bedisposed on the front surface 914 between the front top edge 938 and thefront lower cutout edge 916. The front upper cutout edge 985 can besubstantially parallel to the front top edge 938. A front cutout 915 canbe formed in the front face 914 and can be delimited by the front lowercutout edge 916 and the front upper cutout edge 985. A front lowersurface 917 can be defined between the front lower cutout edge 916 andthe front bottom edge 940, and a front upper surface 987 can be definedbetween the front upper cutout edge 985 and the front top edge 938. Thefront inner side edge 946 can include an inner lower front portion 941defined adjacent the front lower surface 917 along the front inner sideinterface 924 between the inner side portion 910 and the front portion902. Additionally, a front cutout surface 919 can be defined by thefront cutout 915 between the front lower cutout edge 916 and the frontupper cutout edge 938. The front cutout surface 919 can be offset fromthe front lower surface 917 and from the front upper surface 987 in adirection along the normal axis 80 toward the rear portion 904. A lowertransition cutout portion 923 can be defined between the front lowersurface 917 and the front cutout surface 919, and an upper transitioncutout portion 991 can be defined between the front upper surface 987and the front cutout surface. In some embodiments, the front lowersurface 917 and the front upper surface 987 can both be substantiallyparallel to at least a portion of the front cutout surface 919. In someembodiments, the front lower surface 917 and the front upper surface 987can be co-planar.

In FIGS. 15-16, for the purposes of illustration, the body 901 of thecutting edge 900 is aligned such that the front bottom edge 940 isdefined substantially along the longitudinal axis 85, and the innerlower front portion 941 is aligned with the lateral axis 90. A lowerwear indicator groove 981 can be formed in the front face 914substantially parallel to the front bottom edge 940. In someembodiments, the lower wear indicator groove 981 can be formed betweenthe front bottom edge 940 and the front lower cutout edge 916. An upperwear indicator groove 995 can be formed in the front face 914substantially parallel to the front top edge 938. In some embodiments,the upper wear indicator groove 995 can be formed between the front topedge 938 and the front upper cutout edge 985. Although FIGS. 15-16illustrate the upper and lower wear indicator grooves 995, 981 as havingrounded, soft profiles, other profile shapes, such as wedges or otherangles, are also contemplated. A lower wear face 983 can be definedbetween the front bottom edge 940 and the lower wear indicator groove981, and an upper wear face 997 can be defined between the front topedge 938 and the upper wear indicator groove 995.

As shown in FIG. 16, a lower wear indicator height V can be measuredalong the lateral axis 90 between the front bottom edge 940 and thelower wear indicator groove 981, and an upper wear indicator height Ucan be measured along the lateral axis 90 between the front top edge 938and the upper wear indicator groove 995. In some embodiments, the upperwear indicator height U is substantially equal to the lower wearindicator height V. The upper and lower wear indicator grooves 981, 995can have a wear indicator depth X that is substantially similar to thedepth of lower wear indicator groove 381 described above. The wearindicator depth X can be measured along the normal axis 90 between thefront bottom edge 940 and the back surface of the lower wear indicatorgroove 981 or upper wear indicator groove 995.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the lower wear indicator height Vand the body height M, measured along the lateral axis between the frontbottom edge 940 and the front top edge 938, can be in a range betweenabout 1:20 and about 1:5, or in a range between about 1:10 and about3:25 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between thelower wear indicator height V and the body height M, measured along thelateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front top edge938, can be at least about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio betweenthe lower wear indicator height V and the body height M, measured alongthe lateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front topedge 938, can be about 13:100, or about 1:10 in other embodiments. Insome embodiments, a ratio between the wear indicator depth X and thebody thickness P can be in a range between about 1:20 and about 2:5, orin a range between about 1:10 and about 1:5 in other embodiments, or ina range between about 1:8 and about 1:6 in other embodiments. In someembodiments, a ratio between the wear indicator depth X and the bodythickness P can be about 13:100, or about 4:25 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, a ratio between the upper wear indicator height Uand the body height M, measured along the lateral axis between the frontbottom edge 940 and the front top edge 938, can be in a range betweenabout 1:20 and about 1:5, or in a range between about 1:10 and about3:25 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, a ratio between theupper wear indicator height U and the body height M, measured along thelateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front top edge938, can be at least about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio betweenthe upper wear indicator height U and the body height M, measured alongthe lateral axis between the front bottom edge 940 and the front topedge 938, can be about 13:100, or about 1:10 in other embodiments.

In some embodiments, the body 900 can be configured to be mounted to anearth-working implement, such as earth-working blade 66 shown in FIG. 2,so as to selectively dispose either the bottom portion 908 of the bodybetween the mounting edge and a work surface or the top portion 906 ofthe body between the mounting edge and the work surface. In other words,because the cutting edge 900 is substantially symmetrical, the cuttingedge can be flipped from a first mounting position in which the bottomportion 908 is disposed to engage the work surface, to a second mountingposition in which the top portion 906 is disposed to engage the worksurface. This flexibility between mounting positions allows the cuttingbit 900 to exhibit two wear lives, a first wear life, and a second wearlife, increasing the efficiency and usefulness of each wear member. Anexample of the multiple wear lives available to the cutting edge 900 isillustrated in FIGS. 17-18.

FIG. 17 shows cutting edge 900 after a first life during which the body901 can be mounted to an earth-working implement such that the lowerportion 908 can be disposed to engage a work surface. Eventually, afterrepetitive use of the cutting edge 900, the bottom portion 908 can beworn such that the entire lower wear face 983 is worn way and the worksurface is even with the lower wear indicator groove 981. Upon observingthe level of wear illustrated in FIG. 17, an operator or other observercan stop operation in order to flip the cutting edge 900 to begin asecond life. During the second life, the body 901 can be mounted on theearth-working implement so as to dispose the top portion 906 of the body901 to engage the work surface. FIG. 18 illustrates cutting edge 900after the second life. As illustrated, both the top portion 906 and thebottom portion 908 are worn away to the point where nothing is left ofeither the lower wear face 983 or the upper wear face 997. When anoperator or other observer determines that a wear member such as cuttingedge 900 has completed its second life, the fully worn wear member canbe removed from the earth-working implement and replaced with a newcutting edge or other wear member so as to prevent damage to theearth-working implement.

FIGS. 19-20 show another embodiment of a wear member, specificallyanother embodiment of a cutting edge 1000. The cutting edge 1000 can beformed from a body 1001 that can have a generally rectangular shape. Thebody 1001 can have a front portion 1002, a rear portion 1004, a topportion 1006, a bottom portion 1008, an inner side portion 1010, and anouter side portion 1012. The body 1001 can include a front face 1014defined on the front portion 1002 between a front top edge 1038 and afront bottom edge 1040. Similar to the cutting edge 900 in FIGS. 15-16,the front face 1014 can include a lower wear indicator groove 1081disposed between the front bottom edge 1040 and the front top edge 1038,and an upper wear indicator groove 1095 disposed between the front topedge 1038 and the lower wear indicator groove. Additionally, the frontface 1014 includes a lower wear face 1083 disposed between the frontbottom edge 1040 and the lower wear indicator groove 1081, and an upperwear face 1097 disposed between the front top edge 1038 and the upperwear indicator groove 1095. In some embodiments, the lower wearindicator groove 1081 can be substantially parallel to the front bottomedge 1040 and the upper wear indicator groove 1095 can be substantiallyparallel to the front top edge 1038, but other non-parallel embodimentsare also contemplated. Unlike the cutting edges 800, 900, the cuttingedge 1000 shown in FIGS. 19-20 has no front cutouts. Instead, the frontface 1014 is substantially flat and can be substantially parallel to arear face 1027 formed on the rear portion 1004. It should be understoodthat, although not specifically indicated in FIG. 20, the dimensions andratios as related to the upper and lower wear indicator grooves 995, 981of FIGS. 15-16 can also apply to the upper and lower wear indicatorgrooves 1095, 1081 illustrated in FIGS. 19-20. In some embodiments, suchas the cutting edge 1000 illustrated in FIG. 20, at least one depression1093 can be formed in the rear face 1027 and extend between the innerside portion 1010 and the outer side portion 1012. Although FIG. 20shows four depressions 1093, embodiments having other numbers ofdepressions, including zero, are also contemplated.

The body 1001 can also include a bottom face 1075 defined on the bottomportion 1008. The bottom face can extend between the front bottom edge1040, a rear bottom edge 1058, an inner bottom edge, and an outer bottomedge 1048. A bottom wear edge 1077 can be disposed on the bottom face1075 between the front bottom edge 1040 and the rear bottom edge 1058and can extend between the outer bottom edge 1048 and the inner bottomedge or the inner side portion 1010. The bottom wear edge 1077 can besubstantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges 1040, 1058. Abottom wear surface 1079 can be defined on the bottom face 1075 betweenthe front bottom edge 1040 and the bottom wear edge 1077. A bottomcutaway surface 1081 defined on the bottom face 1075 between the rearbottom edge 1058 and the bottom wear edge 1077.

FIG. 25 illustrates the cutting edge 1000 engaging with a work surface25. Although not illustrated in FIG. 25, it should be understood thatthe cutting edge 1000 can be mounted to an earth-working implement so asto position the cutting edge 1000 as shown with respect to the worksurface 25. Referring to FIG. 25, a bottom cutaway surface angle AA canbe measured as the obtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surface 1081and the rear face 1027. In some embodiments, the bottom cutaway surfaceangle AA can be at most about 150 degrees. In other embodiments, thebottom cutaway surface angle AA can be in a range between about 90degrees and about 150 degrees. In some embodiments, the bottom cutawaysurface angle AA can be in a range between about 135 degrees and about150 degrees. In other embodiments, the bottom cutaway surface angle AAcan be in a range between about 140 degrees and about 145 degrees. Inother embodiments, the bottom cutaway surface angle AA can be about 143degrees.

The body 1001 can be configured to be mounted to a mounting edge of theearth-working implement so as to engage the work surface 25. When somounted, a cutaway work surface angle BB can be measured between thebottom cutaway surface 1081 and the work surface 25. In someembodiments, the cutaway work surface angle can be less than about 3degrees, and less than about 2 degrees in other embodiments.Additionally, when the body 1001 is mounted to an earth-workingimplement like as represented in FIG. 25, a rear face surface angle CCcan be measured between the rear face 1027 and the work surface 25. Insome embodiments, the rear face surface angle CC can be in a rangebetween about 40 degrees and about 60 degrees, or about 45 degrees andabout 60 degrees in another embodiment. In some embodiments, the rearface surface angle CC can be about 47 degrees, and can be about 57degrees in other embodiments.

A wear angle DD can be measured as the acute angle between a front faceplane, defined along the front face 1014, and a cutaway surface plane,defined along the bottom cutaway surface 1081. In some embodiments, thewear angle DD can be at least about 30 degrees. In other embodiments,the wear angle DD can be in a range between about 30 degrees and about90 degrees. In some embodiments, the wear angle DD can be in a rangebetween about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, thewear angle DD can be in a range between about 35 degrees and about 40degrees. In other embodiments, the wear angle DD can be about 37degrees.

The dimensions, ratios, and angles described above with respect tocutting edge 1000 have been found to yield surprisingly positive resultsin adding to the wear life of wear members employing those dimensions,such as end cutting-bits or cutting edges. The reduced thickness of thebottom wear surface 1079 as compared to ISO and other standards has beenfound to improve the ability of a wear member, such as the cutting edge1000, to cut into a work surface. Additionally, reducing the bottomcutaway surface angle AA in combination with reducing the bottom wearedge depth Z can reduce sliding over the work surface, or the “skieffect”, particularly when a wear member has been recently installed. Atthe same time, decreasing the cutaway work surface angle BB byincreasing the bottom cutaway surface angle AA provides increased wearmaterial to engage the work surface as early as possible. This allows acutting edge, end cutting-bit, or other wear member to more effectivelycut into a work surface and increase operating times between the need toswitch out wear members, which leads to increased work efficiency.

It should be understood that, where applicable, the dimensionalgeometric ratios describes herein with respect to the cutting edge 1000can be applied to any of the other wear member embodiments disclosedherein. For example, although the end cutting-bit 300 shown in FIGS. 8-9does not explicitly reference a bottom cutaway surface angle AA, itshould be understood that the like features of the end cutting-bit 300could also include the disclosed geometrical relationships and ratios.

An example of the multiple wear lives available to the cutting edge 1000is illustrated in FIGS. 21-22. FIG. 21 shows cutting edge 1000 after afirst life during which the body 1001 was mounted to an earth-workingimplement such that the lower portion 1008 was disposed to engage a worksurface. Eventually, after repetitive use of the cutting edge 1000, thebottom portion 1008 was worn such that the entire lower wear face 1083was worn way and the work surface was even with the lower wear indicatorgroove 1081. Upon observing the level of wear illustrated in FIG. 21, anoperator or other observer could stop operation in order to flip thecutting edge 1000 to begin a second life. During the second life, thebody 1001 would be mounted on the earth-working implement so as todispose the top portion 1006 of the body 1001 to engage the worksurface. FIG. 22 illustrates cutting edge 1000 after the second life. Asillustrated, both the top portion 1006 and the bottom portion 1008 havebeen worn away to the point where nothing is left of either the lowerwear face 1083 or the upper wear face 1097. When an operator or otherobserver determines that a wear member such as cutting edge 1000 hascompleted its second life, the fully worn wear member can be removedfrom the earth-working implement and replaced with a new cutting edge orother wear member so as to prevent damage to the earth-workingimplement.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The industrial application of the wear members as described hereinshould be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion. The presentdisclosure can be applicable to any machine utilizing an earth-workingimplement for digging, scraping, leveling, excavating or any othersuitable application involving engaging the ground or other workmaterial. In machines used for such applications, end cutting-bits,cutting edges, and other types of ground engaging tools can wear outquickly and require replacement.

The present disclosure, therefore, can be applicable to many differentmachines and environments. One exemplary use of the wear members of thisdisclosure can be in mining applications in which machine implements canbe commonly used to cut, scrape, dig, or clear various work materialsincluding rock, gravel, sand, dirt, and others for protracted timeperiods and with little downtime. In such applications, maximizing wearlife for wear members as well as minimizing the risk of damage to theearth-working implements can be advantageous to maximize workefficiency. The present disclosure has features, as discussed, which canincrease wear life of wear members as well as aide in determining theappropriate time to change or rotate wear members on an earth-workingimplement.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated thatother implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from theforegoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereofare intended to reference the particular example being discussed at thatpoint and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope ofthe disclosure more generally. All language of distinction anddisparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate alack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from thescope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedelements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by thedisclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

1. A wear member for an earth-working implement, the wear membercomprising: a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outerside portions; a front face defined on the front portion and extendingbetween the top portion, the bottom portion, the inner side portion, andthe outer side portion; a rear face defined on the rear portion andextending between the top portion, the bottom portion, the inner sideportion, and the outer side portion, the rear face being substantiallyparallel to the front face; a front bottom edge defined along at least aportion of a front bottom interface between the front portion and thebottom portion, the front bottom edge aligned with a longitudinal axis;a rear bottom edge defined along at least a portion of a rear bottominterface between the bottom portion and the rear portion, the rearbottom edge substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; an innerbottom edge defined along at least a portion of an inner bottominterface between the inner side portion and the bottom portion; anouter bottom edge defined along at least a portion of an outer bottominterface between the outer side portion and the bottom portion; abottom face defined on the bottom portion, the bottom face extendingbetween the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottomedge, and the outer bottom edge; a bottom wear edge disposed on thebottom face between the front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge, thebottom wear edge extending between the outer bottom edge and the innerbottom edge substantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges; abottom wear surface defined on the bottom face between the front bottomedge and the bottom wear edge; and a bottom cutaway surface defined onthe bottom face between the rear bottom edge and the bottom wear edge;wherein a bottom cutaway surface angle, measured as the obtuse anglebetween the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face, is at most about150 degrees.
 2. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the bottom cutawaysurface angle is in a range between about 90 degrees and about 150degrees.
 3. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the bottom cutawaysurface angle is in a range between about 135 degrees and about 150degrees.
 4. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the front face defines afront face plane and the bottom cutaway surface defines a bottom cutawaysurface plane, and wherein a wear angle, measured between the front faceplane and the bottom cutaway surface plane, is in a range between about30 degrees and about 90 degrees.
 5. The wear member of claim 1 furthercomprising: a front inner side edge defined along a front inner sideinterface between the inner side portion and the front portion, at leasta portion of the front inner side edge being aligned along a lateralaxis defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and an inner bottomwear edge defined along the inner bottom edge adjacent the bottom wearsurface between the front bottom edge and the bottom wear edge, theinner bottom wear edge being aligned along a normal axis definedperpendicular to both the lateral axis and the longitudinal axis.
 6. Thewear member of claim 5, wherein a ratio between a bottom wear edgedepth, measured along the normal axis between the front face and thebottom wear edge, and a body thickness, measured along the normal axisbetween the front face and the rear face, is in a range between about0:1 and about 3:10.
 7. The wear member of claim 5, wherein a ratiobetween a bottom wear edge depth, measured along the normal axis betweenthe front face and the bottom wear edge, and a body thickness, measuredalong the normal axis between the front face and the rear face, is atmost about 1:5.
 8. The wear member of claim 1, wherein the body isconfigured to be mounted to a mounting edge of the earth-workingimplement so as to engage a work surface, and wherein a cutaway worksurface angle, measured between the bottom cutaway surface and the worksurface, is less than about 3 degrees.
 9. The wear member of claim 1,wherein the body is configured to be mounted to a mounting edge of theearth-working implement so as to engage a work surface, and wherein acutaway work surface angle, measured between the bottom cutaway surfaceand the work surface, is at most 2 degrees.
 10. The wear member of claim1 further comprising: a front top edge defined along a front topinterface between the front portion and the top portion, the front topedge being substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; a lowercutout edge disposed on the front face between the front top edge andthe front bottom edge and substantially parallel to the front bottomedge; and a cutout formed in the front face and delimited by the lowercutout edge and the front top edge.
 11. The wear member of claim 1,wherein the bottom cutaway surface angle is in a range between about 90degrees and about 150 degrees.
 12. The wear member of claim 1 furthercomprising: a front top edge defined along a front top interface betweenthe front portion and the top portion, the front top edge beingsubstantially parallel to the front bottom edge; a lower cutout edgedisposed on the front face between the front top edge and the frontbottom edge and substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; anupper cutout edge disposed on the front face between the front top edgeand the lower cutout edge, the upper cutout edge substantially parallelto the top edge; and a cutout formed in the front face and delimited bythe upper cutout edge and the lower cutout edge.
 13. The wear member ofclaim 12, wherein the bottom cutaway surface angle is in a range betweenabout 90 degrees and about 150 degrees.
 14. A wear member for anearth-working implement, the wear member comprising: a body havingfront, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions; a frontbottom edge defined along at least a portion of a front bottom interfacebetween the front portion and the bottom portion, the front bottom edgealigned with a longitudinal axis; a front top edge defined along a fronttop interface between the front portion and the top portion, the fronttop edge being substantially parallel to the front bottom edge; a rearbottom edge defined along at least a portion of a rear bottom interfacebetween the bottom portion and the rear portion, the rear bottom edgesubstantially parallel to the front bottom edge; an inner bottom edgedefined along at least a portion of an inner bottom interface betweenthe inner side portion and the bottom portion; an outer bottom edgedefined along at least a portion of an outer bottom interface betweenthe outer side portion and the bottom portion; a front face defined onthe front portion between the front top edge and the front bottom edge,the front face including a front lower surface and a cutout surface; arear face defined on the rear portion and extending between the topportion, the bottom portion, the inner side portion, and the outer sideportion, the rear face being substantially parallel to the front face; acutout formed in the front face defining the cutout surface between thefront lower surface and the front top edge, the cutout surface extendingbetween the inner side portion and the outer side portion and beingoffset from the front lower surface in a direction toward the rear face;a bottom face defined on the bottom portion, the bottom face extendingbetween the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the inner bottomedge, and the outer bottom edge; a bottom wear edge disposed on thebottom face between the front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge, thebottom wear edge extending between the outer bottom edge and the innerbottom edge substantially parallel to the front and rear bottom edges; abottom wear surface defined on the bottom face between the front bottomedge and the bottom wear edge; a bottom cutaway surface defined on thebottom face between the rear bottom edge and the bottom wear edge;wherein the body is configured to be mounted to a mounting edge of theearth-working implement, and wherein the bottom cutaway surface isdefined on the bottom face between the rear bottom edge and the bottomwear edge, and a bottom cutaway surface angle, measured as the obtuseangle between the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face, is at mostabout 150 degrees.
 15. The wear member of claim 14, wherein the bottomcutaway surface angle is in a range between about 90 degrees and about150 degrees.
 16. The wear member of claim 14, wherein the body isconfigured to be mounted to a mounting edge of the earth-workingimplement so as to engage a work surface, and wherein a cutaway worksurface angle, measured between the bottom cutaway surface and the worksurface, is at most 2 degrees.
 17. The wear member of claim 14, whereinthe cutout surface is substantially parallel to the rear surface and thefront lower surface, and wherein a ratio between a lower body thickness,measured between the front lower surface and the rear surface, and acutout thickness, measured between the cutout surface and the rearsurface, is in a range between about 1:1 and about 3:2.
 18. The wearmember of claim 14 further comprising: a lower cutout edge disposed onthe front face between the front lower surface and the cutout surface,the lower cutout edge substantially parallel to the front bottom edge anupper cutout edge disposed on the front face between the front top edgeand the lower cutout edge, the upper cutout edge substantially parallelto the front top edge; and a front upper surface defined on the frontface between the upper cutout edge and the front top edge, the frontupper surface and the front lower surface being substantially co-planar.19. The wear member of claim 18, wherein the bottom cutaway surfaceangle is in a range between about 135 degrees and about 150 degrees. 20.A wear member for an earth-working implement, the wear membercomprising: a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outerside portions; a front bottom edge defined along at least a portion of afront bottom interface between the front portion and the bottom portion,the front bottom edge aligned with a longitudinal axis; a front top edgedefined along at least a portion of a front top interface between thefront portion and the top portion, the front top edge substantiallyparallel to the front bottom edge; a front inner side edge defined alongat least a portion of a front inner side interface between the innerside portion and the front portion; a front outer side edge definedalong at least a portion of a front outer side interface between theouter side portion and the front portion; a rear bottom edge definedalong at least a portion of a rear bottom interface between the bottomportion and the rear portion, the rear bottom edge substantiallyparallel to the front bottom edge; a rear top edge defined along atleast a portion of a rear top interface between the top portion and therear portion, the rear top edge substantially parallel to the front topedge; a rear inner side edge defined along at least a portion of a rearinner side interface between the inner side portion and the rearportion; a rear outer side edge defined along at least a portion of arear outer side interface between the outer side portion and the rearportion; an inner bottom edge defined along at least a portion of aninner bottom interface between the inner side portion and the bottomportion; an outer bottom edge defined along at least a portion of anouter bottom interface between the outer side portion and the bottomportion; a front face defined on the front portion, the front faceextending between the front inner side edge, the front outer side edge,the front top edge, and the front bottom edge; a rear face defined onthe rear portion, the rear face extending between the rear inner sideedge, the rear outer side edge, the rear top edge, and the rear bottomedge; a bottom face defined on the bottom portion, the bottom faceextending between the front bottom edge, the rear bottom edge, the innerbottom edge, and the outer bottom edge; a bottom wear edge disposed onthe bottom face between the front bottom edge and the rear bottom edge,the bottom wear edge extending between the outer bottom edge and theinner bottom edge substantially parallel to the front and rear bottomedges; a bottom wear surface defined on the bottom face between thefront bottom edge and the bottom wear edge; and a bottom cutaway surfacedefined on the bottom face between the rear bottom edge and the bottomwear edge, wherein a bottom cutaway surface angle, measured as theobtuse angle between the bottom cutaway surface and the rear face, isabout 143 degrees.